Weatherproof compression connecting assembly for securing electrical metal tubing

ABSTRACT

A water proof electrical connector assembly for securing metal tubing to a junction box or in an end to end connection having a connecting body with opposed open ends, and an electrical metal tubing secured to at least one open end. The open end includes a linear length sized to snugly receive the end of the metal tubing and a diverging linear length immediately adjacent the open end. A sealing gland having a complementary tapered outer surface with a radially outwardly extending flange and a split compression ring fitted onto the metal tubing so that when assembled, the sealing gland provides a fluid tight seal, and the split ring effects a mechanically tight, electrically grounded, connection between the connecting body and the metal conduit.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation in part application of applicationSer. No. 10/639,907 filed Aug. 13, 2003, now abandoned, for WeatherproofCompression Connecting Assembly For Securing Electrical Metal Tubing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a pipe assembly for securing an electricalmetal conduit, and more specifically to a weatherproof pipe assembly inthe form of a connector assembly or a coupling assembly having awatertight sealing gland and an electrical grounding compression ringthat is compressively fitted onto the connected end of the conduit forsecuring the conduit used for shielding therein an electrical conductoror cable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heretofore it was common practice to secure a conduit that shieldselectrical conductors, wires or cables by inserting one end of a conduitinto an externally threaded inlet end of a connecting body and securingthe conduit to the threaded inlet end of the connecting body by asuitable tightening nut. The outlet end of the connecting body in turnwas secured to an electrical outlet box by inserting the other or outletend of the connecting body into the knockout hole of the electricaloutlet box and securing the same by a locking nut or other suitablemeans, e.g. a snap fit retaining means as disclosed in a co-pendingpatent application Ser. No. 10/283,976 filed Oct. 30, 2002, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,860,758, which is incorporated herein by reference. It hasbeen noted that many prior connecting assemblies did not satisfactorilyprohibit rain or water from electrical grounding of conduits was not atall times positive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide an improved pipe assembly inthe form of a coupling or connector arrangement which is capable ofprohibiting water or rain from seeping through the coupling or connectorassembly.

Another object is to provide an improved coupling or connector assemblycapable of effecting a positive electrical grounding of a conduitconnected thereto.

Another object is to provide an improved electrical coupling orconnector assembly that is relatively simple to fabricate, easy toassemble and positive in operation.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are readilyobtained by a pipe assembly that includes a connector or coupling typebody provided with an inlet end having an opening adapted to receive aconduit, and an outlet end having an opening to which another conduitmay be coupled or through which the electrical conductors, wires, orcables extended through the connected conduit may extend. The externalsurface of the inlet end is threaded to receive a connecting nut forsecuring the conduit to the inlet end. The connector or coupling body isprovided with a through bore having a shoulder formed intermediate thelength thereof to define a stop to limit the distance a conduit may beinserted thereinto. The internal surface of the inlet end of theconnector or coupling body is provided with a second annular ridge orstop, disposed between the intermediate shoulder stop and the opening tothe inlet end. The internal surface of the inlet end defined between theconduit shoulder stop and the ridge stop or first portion is generallyshaped and sized to snugly receive the outer surface of the conduit. Theinternal surface of the inlet end disposed between the ridge stop andthe inlet opening or second portion is provided with a taper thatdiverges or increases, i.e. slopes radially outward toward the inletopening.

To effect a waterproof seal and a positive electric ground for theconduit, a metallic split compression ring is fitted onto the end of theconduit. Also fitted onto the end of the conduit is a plastic sealingring having the outer surface thereof tapered to complement the internaltapered portion of the connector or coupling inlet end. The arrangementis such that as the connecting nut is tightened onto the threaded inletend, the metallic split compression ring simultaneously urges theplastic sealing ring into a positive sealing relationship between theconduit and the inlet end of the connector or coupling body as the splitmetallic ring is compressed onto the conduit to insure a positiveelectric grounding of the conduit while imparting a friction holdingforce sufficient to prohibit the conduit from being pulled out of theconnector or coupling body.

In another form of the invention, the plastic or resilient sealing ringis provided with a radially outward flange or collar circumscribing theinlet end of the sealing ring arranged to abut the inlet end of theconnector or coupling body.

Other features and advantages will become readily apparent in view ofthe following detailed description and drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled conduit connector embodyingthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is an expanded perspective view illustrating the component partsof an conduit connector embodying the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the connector assembly embodying theinvention taken along line 3-3 on FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the sealing gland component.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 on FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the sealing gland component.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 on FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of a coupling assembly embodying theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of the connector assembly similar toFIG. 3 to illustrate a modified form of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified form of the sealing ring asshown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the sealing ring of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 on FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a sectional side view of a coupler assembly similar to thecoupler assembly of FIG. 8 to illustrate another modified form of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 a pipeassembly embodying the invention. Pipe assembly, as broadly definedherein, means either a connector assembly 20, by which a conduit 21 isconnected to an electrical junction box 35 as shown in FIG. 1, orcoupling assembly 40 as shown in FIG. 8 for coupling two conduits 41Aand 41B in end to end relationship.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention as depicted in FIGS. 1 to 7is directed to a pipe assembly in the form of a connector assembly 20 asdefined herein, which includes a connector body 22 which is generallyformed as casting of zinc or other suitable metal. The connector body 22includes an inlet end 22A and an outlet end 22B. In the illustratedembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer surfaces of the inlet end 22A andoutlet end 22B are provided with suitable external threads. Theconnector body 22 also includes a through bore 23, as will behereinafter described in more detail. Intermediate the inlet end 22A andoutlet end 22B, the connector body 22 is provided with a radiallyoutwardly extending flange 24 having a hexagonal shape. However, it willbe understood that the flange 24 may assume any suitable shape that willfacilitate gripping the same for purposes of assembling.

Intermediate between the inlet opening 27A and the outlet opening 27B ofthe through bore 23 there is formed an internal shoulder 25 whichfunctions as a stop to limit the distance a conduit 21 can be insertedinto the inlet end 22A of the connector body 22. Generally, suchconduits are formed of metal, e.g. steel and the like.

In accordance with this invention, the portion of the through bore 23defining the distal portion 22A₁ of the inlet end 22A, adjacent the stopshoulder 25, or first portion has a substantially uniform diameter D ofa size and shape to snugly receive the end portion of the conduit asshown in FIG. 3. The distal or first portion 22A₁ of the inlet end 22extends from the stop shoulder 25 to an intermediate ridge or shoulder26 located at a point intermediate of the inlet opening 27A and theshoulder stop 25. The internal surface of the through bore 23 extendingfrom the intermediate shoulder 26 to the inlet opening 27A or secondportion 22A₂ tapers outwardly so that the diameter d of proximate end orsecond portion 22A₂ progressively increases toward the inlet opening27A. The portion of the bore 23 defining the outlet end 22B has adiameter D₁, which is slightly less than diameter D, as determined bythe thickness of the stop shoulder 25.

A sealing gland 28 in the form of a ring is snugly fitted onto the endof the conduit 21 that is inserted into the inlet end 22A of theconnector body 22. The sealing gland 28 is provided with a width W whichis arranged to be received into the proximate or tapered portion 22A₂ ofthe inlet end 22A. As best seen in FIG. 5, the external periphery of thesealing gland 28 is tapered to complement the taper defined by the innersurface of the proximate portion 22A₂ of the inlet end 22A. Preferably,the width W of the sealing gland 28 is substantially equal to the lengthof the tapered portion 22A₂.

Also positioned onto the end of the conduit 21 to be inserted into theinlet end 22A, and preceding the placement of the sealing gland 28 ontothe conduit 21 is a split compression ring 29. Referring to FIG. 3, thecompression ring 29 is preferably formed of a spring steel or the likewith a diameter sized so as to be loosely fitted onto the conduit 21.The compression ring 29 is provided with a transverse slot or cut 29A asbest seen in FIG. 2, to define a small space or gap between the opposedends of the ring 29. As shown in FIG. 3, the cut or slot 29A thatdefines the split ring 29 forms opposed, juxtapositioned, slightlyspaced apart tongues 29B, 29B. Thus, the cut 29A defines spaced tongues29B, 29B that are longitudinally extended and disposed in a common planeto define a split ring of 360°.

In the illustrated embodiment, the opposed edges of the compression ring29 are slightly offset or bent to define lips 29C, 29C that extend aboutthe opposed peripheries of the ring 29. The arrangement is such thatwhen the ring 29 is compressed, the peripheral surface 29D defined bythe opposed lips 29B, 29B are arranged to engage the end of the conduit21 with a force sufficient to prohibit the conduit 21 from becomingseparated from the connector body 22 in the assembled position of theconnector assembly while provided for a positive electrical ground.

A fastening nut 30 is provided for securing the conduit 21 to the inletend of the connector body 22. The nut 30 is provided with internalthreads 31 by which it can be threaded onto the external threads of theinlet end 22A of the connector body. The nut 30 is provided with anopening 32 sized to permit the nut 30 to be fitted onto the end of aconduit. Circumscribing the opening 32, the nut 30 is provided with acam surface 33 arranged to engage the compression ring 29 as the nut 30is threaded onto the inlet end 22A of the connector body 22 to securethe conduit to the connector body.

Completing the connector assembly 20 is a resilient washer 34 formed ofa resilient plastic, rubber and the like, which is arranged to be fittedonto the outlet end 22B of the connector body 22. In operation, thewasher 34 is fitted onto the outlet end 22B of the connector body 22 soas to be positioned between the flange 24 and the side wall 35 of ajunction box or the like. A lock nut 36 or other suitable lockingfastener is fitted onto the outlet end portion 22B of the connector topositively secure the connector body 22 to an electrical junction box orthe like. As the locking nut 36 is tightened onto the outlet end 22B ofthe connector body 22, the resilient washer 34 is compressed or wedgedbetween the flange 24 and the side wall 35 of the junction box.Accordingly, the resilient washer 34 provides a seal about the knockoutopening of the junction box 35 that receives the outlet end portion 22Aof the connector body.

In assembling the connector assembly 20, the fastening nut 30 ispositioned onto the end of the conduit, as noted in FIG. 3. Thecompression ring 29 is then fitted onto the end of the conduit, followedby the positioning the sealing gland 28 onto the end of the conduit.With the fastening nut 30, compression ring 29 and sealing gland 28 thuspositioned onto the end of the conduit, the conduit is inserted into theinlet end 22A until the end of the conduit 21 is brought into abuttingrelationship with stop shoulder 25. With the conduit 21 seated againstthe stop shoulder 25, the fastening nut 30 is tightened onto the inletend 22A. In so tightening the nut 30, the cam surface 33 upon engagingthe compression ring 29 will cause the compression ring to be urgedagainst the sealing gland 28, causing the sealing gland 28 to wedgeitself between the outer surface of the conduit 21 and the internaltapered surface of the inlet portion 22A₂ to form a fluid tight sealthereat while causing the split compression ring 29 to compress tightlyonto the periphery of the conduit 21 to positively secure the connectionso as to preclude any separation or pull out of the conduit 21 from theconnector body 22. The compression ring 29 formed of a spring steel alsoinsures a positive electrical grounding of the conduit and connectorassembly.

It will be understood that the conduit 21 may be connected to theconnector body 22 either before or after the connector body 22A has beenattached to a juncture box 35 or the like. To secure the describedconnector body 22 to a juncture box 35, the resilient washer 34 ispositioned on the outlet end 22B, which is then inserted through aknockout hole of a juncture box and secured thereto by the lock nut 36.

FIG. 8 illustrates a modified embodiment of the invention as applied toa coupler assembly 40 for connecting conduits 41A and 41B in end to endrelationship. As shown, the coupler assembly 40 includes a coupling body42 which may be formed of a suitable material, e.g. a zinc casting orthe like. The coupler body 42 is provided with opposed inlet and outletend portions 42A, 42B having a through bore 43. In the illustratedembodiment, the outer surfaces of the inlet and outlet portions 41A, 41Bare externally threaded as indicated as 44. Between the opposed open endof the bore, there is provided on the internal surface thereof acircumscribing rib, ridge or shoulder 45. As will be noted, the shoulder45 defines a stop to limit the insertion of conduits 41A, 41B into theopposed end portions of the coupling body 42.

The respective opposed end portions 42A, 42B are each provided with abore portion 43A having a substantially uniform diameter sized to snuglyreceive the outer diameter of the conduit to be fitted thereinto, and aninternally tapered portion 43B similar to that hereinbefore describedwith respect to the connector body 22.

Externally, the coupling body 42 is provided with an external radialflange 45A having a shape that can be readily gripped to effect theturning thereof if necessary. The external surfaces of the respectiveopposed ends of the coupler body 42 are suitably threaded for receivinga fastening nut 46 similar to the fastening nut 30 hereinbeforedescribed.

A sealing gland 47 and a compressing ring 48, in the form hereinbeforedescribed, is fitted onto each end of the respective conduits 41A, 41Bto complete the assembly, as hereinbefore described.

To assemble the described coupler 40, each of the respective conduitsare fitted with the fastening nut 46, compression ring 48 and sealinggland 47 in the manner hereinbefore described. With the nut 46,compression ring 48 and sealing gland 47 so positioned on the end of aconduit, the end of the conduit is inserted into one end portion of thecoupling body 42 until the conduit is seated or abuts the stop shoulder45. The fastening nut 46 is then threaded onto its respective endportion until the sealing gland 47 has wedged itself into sealingrelationship between the coupling body 42 and the conduit, and thecompression ring 48 is tightly compressed onto the conduit ashereinbefore described.

FIGS. 9 to 12 illustrate a further modification of the invention. FIG. 9illustrates a connector assembly 50 similar to that described withrespect to FIG. 3, with the exception that the sealing ring 51 embodiesa modified construction. Referring to FIG. 10, the modified sealing ring51 includes a ring portion 51A having an inlet opening 51B and an outletopening 51C. Circumscribing the outlet opening of the ring portion 51Ais a radially outwardly extending flange or collar 51D. As best seen inFIG. 12, the outer surface S of the ring portion 51A tapers or slopesfrom the outlet opening to the flange or collar 51D in a progressivelyradially outwardly manner similar as shown and described with respect toFIG. 5. In all other respects, the coupler body 55, fastening nut 56 andcompression ring 57 are similar or identical to that hereinbeforedescribed with respect to FIG. 3. The assembly of the respectiveconnector components of FIG. 9 is similar to that described with respectto FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the assembled position of the modified connector assembly 50 of FIG.9, it will be noted that the flange or collar 51D abuts the inletopening 58 of the connector body 55 with the outer surface S of the ringportion 51A complementing the taper 59 that defines the proximal innersurface of the connector body inlet opening 58, as hereinbeforedescribed. By providing the sealing ring 51 with the annular collar orflange 51D, an enhanced liquid tight seal is effected. In all otherrespects, the structure and function of the respective component partsof the connector assembly of FIGS. 9 to 12 are similar to thathereinbefore described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 7.

FIG. 13 is directed to a modified coupler assembly 60. Coupler assembly60 is similar to the coupler assembly described with respect to FIG. 8,except that the sealing ring 61 of FIG. 13 embodies the construction ofthe sealing ring disclosed and described with respect to FIGS. 10 to 12.In all other respects, the coupler assembly 60 is similar to that shownand described in FIG. 8.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that a fluid tight and apressure tight connection is effected between the connector or couplerbody and its corresponding conduit whereby any pullout or separation ofthe conduit is positively prohibited and at the same time provides for apositive electrical grounding of the conduit and the associatedconnector or coupler body.

While the invention has been described with respect to severalembodiments thereof, it will be understood that variations andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention.

1. A pipe assembly comprising: a body having a bore therein defining aninlet end and an outlet end, said inlet end having an inlet opening andsaid outlet end having an outlet opening, said inlet end having a firstlinear length and a second linear length, a metal conduit receivable insaid inlet end, said first linear length being of uniform shape and sizeto snugly receive an end portion of said metal conduit, and said secondlinear length having an internal surface that diverges outwardly towardsaid inlet opening, a plastic sealing gland sized to be fitted onto theend portion of said metal conduit, said plastic sealing gland having anouter tapering surface that complements the internal surface of saidsecond linear length, a metallic split compression ring adapted to beloosely fitted onto the end portion of said metal conduit, and afastening nut fitted onto the end portion of said metal conduit forsecuring said metal conduit to said inlet end whereby said plasticsealing gland is urged into sealing relationship with said internalsurface of the second linear length, and said metallic compression ringinto compression onto said metal conduit, said bore including aninternal stop shoulder defining a stop to limit the distance said metalconduit is inserted into said inlet opening, and an intermediateshoulder within said body longitudinally spaced from said stop shoulderto define said first linear length of said bore from said second linearlength of said bore.
 2. A pipe assembly as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid sealing gland includes: a ring portion having a ring inlet openingand a ring outlet opening, said ring portion having an outer peripheralsurface that tapers radially outwardly toward said ring inlet opening,and a radially outwardly extending flange circumscribing said ring inletopening, said radially outwardly extending flange having an outerdiameter which is greater than the diameter of said inlet opening ofsaid body, said radially outwardly extending flange disposed in abuttingsealing relationship with the peripheral edge of said body defining saidinlet opening of said body.
 3. An electrical connector assemblycomprising: a connector body having an inlet end and an outlet end, abore extending through said inlet end and outlet end to define opposedinlet and outlet openings, said inlet end being externally threaded,said inlet end having an internal first linear length and a secondlinear length, said first linear length having an internal surface, anelectrical metal conduit having an end portion, said second linearlength having an internal surface which diverges outwardly toward saidinlet end opening, said inlet opening being the diverging end of saidsecond linear length, said bore including an internal stop shoulderdefining a stop to limit the distance said metal conduit is insertedinto said inlet opening, and an intermediate shoulder within said bodylongitudinally spaced from said stop shoulder to define said firstlinear length of said bore from said second linear length, a plasticsealing gland fitted onto the end portion of said conduit, said plasticsealing gland having a tapered outer surface that complements theinternal surface of said second linear length, a metallic splitcompression ring circumscribing said end portion of said conduit, saidsplit compression ring having inwardly extending offset lips extendingabout the opposed periphery of said split compression ring, and aninternally threaded fastening nut disposed on said end portion of saidconduit for securing said conduit to said inlet end whereby said sealinggland is urged in fluid tight relationship with said second linearlength and said compression ring is compressed onto said conduit topositively secure said conduit to said connector body and electricallyground said conduit as said fastening nut is tightened, said plasticsealing gland including a lateral outwardly extending flangecircumscribing said sealing gland about one end thereof, said laterallyoutwardly extending flange having an outer diameter that is greater thanthe diameter of said inlet opening so that said lateral outwardlyextending flange abuts in sealing relationship the peripheral edge ofsaid inlet opening.
 4. An electrical connector assembly comprising: aconnector body having an inlet end and an outlet end, a bore extendingthrough said inlet end and outlet end to define opposed end openings,said inlet end being externally threaded, said inlet end having a firstlinear length and a second linear length, said first linear lengthhaving an internal surface, an electric metal conduit having an endportion, said internal surface of said first linear length being sizedand shaped to snugly receive said end portion of said conduit, saidinternal surface including a stop shoulder to limit the distance saidmetal conduit is inserted in said first linear length, said secondlinear length having an internal surface which diverges toward saidinlet end opening, an intermediate shoulder within said bodylongitudinally spaced from said stop shoulder to define said firstlinear length from said second linear length of said bore, a plasticsealing gland fitted onto the end portion of said conduit, said sealinggland having a tapered outer surface that complements the internalsurface of said second linear length, said sealing gland having aradially outwardly extending flange circumscribing one end of saidsealing gland, said radially outwardly extending flange having adiameter greater than the diameter of said inlet opening so that saidradially outwardly extending flange abuts in sealing relationship theperipheral edge of said inlet opening, said inlet opening being thediverging end of said second linear length, a metallic split compressionring circumscribing said end portion of said conduit, and an internallythreaded fastening nut disposed on said end portion of said conduit forsecuring said conduit to said inlet end whereby said plastic sealinggland is urged in fluid tight relationship with said internal surface ofsaid second linear length and the peripheral edge of said inlet opening,and said compression ring is compressed onto said conduit to positivelysecure said conduit to said connector body and electrically ground saidconduit as said fastening nut is tightened, said compression ringincludes a transverse cut defining spaced apart opposed ends that arelongitudinally extended and disposed in a common plane to define a splitring of 360°, said compression ring includes opposed peripheral edgesthat are slightly bent to define radially and inwardly extending lipsthat extend about said ring to engage said conduit when in compression,a resilient washer fitted onto the outlet end of the connector bodyadapted to be inserted through a knock out hole of a junction box, andmeans for securing said outlet end to the junction box whereby saidresilient washer is urged into sealing position about the outlet end.